Yearly Experiment - Socratic Discussion

This year we are going to try and implement my version of Socratic learning. Each evening the children and I will read from three books (history, science, and literature.) One book will be selected by myself, one by my 9 year old daughter and one by my 7 year old daughter. We will also read two picture books, one chosen by each of my toddlers.

Rules for the new experiment:

1. The history book must match what we are studying this year - ancients.
2. The science book must match what we are studying this year - biology.
3. The literature book has no requirements.
4. All books must be approved by me.
5. We will read one chapter or section per book with the option of a second chapter or section.
6. All chapters will be discussed immediately following the reading.
7. Respect for those holding opposing viewpoints must be shown at all times.
8. The following morning we will spend approximately one hour drawing or writing about the previous day's readings.
9. There are no requirements as to what should be written or drawn.


Following the hour of writing, our regular school schedule will resume.

Goals of this experiment:

To determine whether Socratic discussion helps my children to retain information.
To determine whether my children enjoy learning more in this type environment.
To further implement this style of learning should it prove to be successful.